100% with Nugget90 ...
Quote:
"Officers who left the Regular Forces before 29 July 2014 are ineligible for the automatic award of the medal. Those who retired before this date and satisfy all other relevant criteria may request a statement of entitlement that will allow them to purchase this medal at their own expense and wear it on suitable occasions."
Me too. It seems the best way to satisfy both parties during these austere times that we live in. For officers to purchase things outside of issue is not that unusual - leather jackets and forage caps come immediately to mind.